Here in the UK we really are spoilt for choice when it comes to Christmas market.
We here in Blighty have embraced the traditional German markets and they are now popping up all over the country during the festive season.
We here at Bags of Love LOVE a good Christmas market and we have been to a fair few over the years, so, we wanted to give you a little round-up of our favourite UK Christmas markets. If you have any suggestions then we would love to hear them! Just post them in the comments below.
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park – London 
There are so many amazing Christmas markets in London but two really stand out to us. The first can be found in Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. Open from 21st November to 4th January, Winter Wonderland seems to grow and get even better every year. This free to enter event includes loads of Christmas themed rides and activities, a circus, an ice rink, a big wheel and a huge market. There is also a magical ice kingdom, which features an ice forest with frozen sculptures and an ice castle. The Christmas market really stands out though. It’s massive and full of gorgeous stalls selling traditional arts and crafts, jewellery, clothing, decorations and toys. You can spend hours perusing the charming wooden chalets and truly get caught up in the festive atmosphere. And as for food! From traditional mulled wine and frothy hot chocolate to German sausages and hog roast!
Southbank Centre Christmas Market – London 
Our second London Christmas market can be found on London’s Southbank from 11th November to 4th January. Featuring adorable traditional wooden chalets, decorated with holly, mistletoe and fairy lights, this market sells all sorts of gorgeous and unique hand-crafted gifts and goodies. Part of the Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival, where you can catch Christmas shows and free music events, this Christmas market is a bustling and enjoyable one and makes for a great day out. The German style market offers lots of yummy food options and you can munch on mince pies and glug on mulled wine while schmoozing the pretty, twinkling cabins.
Nottingham Winter Wonderland 
If you find yourself in Nottingham over the Christmas period, make sure you check out their Winter Wonderland. Open from 20th November to 4th January, this fun filled wonderland features ice skating, rides, food and drink and a beautiful festive market. Featuring gorgeous wooden stalls, decked out with lights and snow, you can mooch around looking at beautiful crafts, fashion, leather goods, jewellery, confectionery, handmade gifts and loads more. You can fill your belly (like a bowl-full of jelly) with delicious and traditional food and drink and enjoy a glass or two of hot mulled wine or spiced cider.
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market and Craft Fair 
From 13th November – 22nd December you can enjoy the largest authentic German market outside of Germany and Austria in good old Brum! Featuring over 180 gorgeous stalls selling gifts, jewellery, decorations, handmade toys and delicious food and drink. You can enjoy listening to traditional carols and Christmas songs, as well as the singing Christmas moose! The craft fair offers decorations and handcrafts, candles, jewellery, Christmas tree decorations and loads more. While there, take a ride on the ornate carousel and indulge in some delicious traditional German fare such as bratwurst and gluhwein. Yum!
Manchester Christmas Markets 
The Christmas markets in Manchester are now in their 16th year! From 14th November – 21st December, across a number of sites around Manchester city centre will be lots of traditional markets, featuring festive cheer, gorgeous gifts and shopping and delicious food. Enjoy strolling around all of the different locations and indulging in a spot of present shopping and good food and drink. Wander through the chalet-lined streets and enjoy the more than 300 stalls. The Christmas markets are located in different spaces around the centre and each has its own distinct character and atmosphere.
Edinburgh Winter Festival 
Running from 21st November to 4th January, Christmas in Edinburgh offers loads of things to see and do for the whole family. You can enjoy traditional rides and games and the kids will love Santa Land in Princes Street Garden, which features a festive fairground and a traditional market full of gifts and toys and of course, you can visit Father Christmas himself in his grotto. There is also a gorgeous ice rink in St Andrew Square, so you can build up an appetite before indulging in some yummy festive fare.
Waterfront Winterland – Swansea 
Swansea’s award winning Christmas wonderland can be visited from 14th November to 4th January in Museum Park. Featuring ice skating, a fun-filled festive funfair, and a gorgeous Santa’s Grotto. The Christmas Market is open from 28th November to 21st December and features gorgeous green and red chalets selling all sorts of Christmas delights! From arts and crafts to handmade gifts and fine foods, these stalls are a shopping lover’s dream come true. Treat yourself to a glass of mulled wine and enjoy a yummy hog roast or roast turkey.
If you are working on your Christmas shopping, don’t forget to visit our Christmas shop to ensure your friends and family receive the most love-filled and unique Christmas gifts. Click here to start shopping!